The Ruby-throated Hummingbird: A photo essay - Hardcover

by James B. Sumpter (Author), James B. Sumpter (Photographer)

This book contains 88 full-page sized photographs that show the Ruby-throated Hummingbird in great detail, from numerous perspectives. They capture the many variations in its appearance, including its green and gold iridescent colors, its black beak, its white tongue and its black wing feathers. Other photos show the various iridescent colors (red, gold and black) of the male's throat feathers. In addition, some photos catch the humming bird in mid-flight, thereby "freezing" its wings.

A number of photos show females and adolescent males who are partly distinguished by the white tips on six of their tail feathers (three on either side). The adolescent male can be further distinguished by the dark streaks and/or a small fleck of red feathers on his throat. Other photos show the female clutching clumps of spiderweb that she will use in constructing her nest.

Many photos show the Ruby-throated Hummingbird roosting or feeding at a feeder, while others show the hummingbird feeding on flower nectar. Still, other photos capture the territorial nature of the humming bird, as they show dramatic slices of "feeder wars."